Restore traditional rights of fishermen, reprimand Lanka: Jayalalithaa writes to Modi

'My Government strongly believes that the unconstitutional Indo-Sri Lankan Agreements of 1974 and 1976 should be nullified'
Restore traditional rights of fishermen, reprimand Lanka: Jayalalithaa writes to Modi
Restore traditional rights of fishermen, reprimand Lanka: Jayalalithaa writes to Modi
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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa writes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, text of letter.

“I am constrained to write to you yet again to bring to your notice the repeated instances of apprehension of innocent Indian fishermen belonging to the coastal Districts of Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan Navy. It is reported that 5 Indian fishermen in a boat from Jegathapattinam and 4 more fishermen in a boat from Kottaipattinam, both in Pudukottai District, have been apprehended along with their boats by the Sri Lankan Navy on the evening of 30.1.2016 and taken to Kankesanthurai, Sri Lanka.

Based on my repeated requests and the Government of India’s efforts  all the Indian fishermen who were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy during 2015 have been released, but their boats and fishing gear, which are essential to earn their livelihood, have not yet been released, aggravating the sense of frustration and despondency amongst the fisherfolk of Tamil Nadu.  I reiterate my request that the fishing boats and gear be restored to our fishermen in a refurbished condition by the Government of India at the earliest.

My Government strongly believes that the unconstitutional Indo-Sri Lankan Agreements of 1974 and 1976 should be nullified and the traditional rights of our fishermen restored at the earliest. As you are aware, these agreements are under legal challenge on grounds of constitutional validity in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. 

I urge your personal intervention to prevent the aggravation that the Sri Lankan authorities and Navy are causing to our fishermen.  I specifically request you to direct the Ministry of External Affairs to take up the matter with the Sri Lankan authorities urgently and secure the immediate release of the15 fishermen and 69 fishing boats in  Sri Lankan custody including the 9 fishermen and their 2 fishing boats apprehended on 30.1.2016.“

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